The 2-0 Houston Texans have found somewhat of an identity already this season. They've won both their games playing tough hard defense and running the ball successfully. New HC Bill O'Brien has came in with his own formula of mistake free efficient football, and it's worked through the first 2 games this far. Next up the Texans play a struggling Giants team that has yet to find their identity. But being that the game is on the road in a hostile environment like MetLife Stadium the Texans will need to be the clock eating, turnover causing, smash mouth team they've been thus far to come out of this week's game with the win.
Keys to the offense
The Running Game: Arian Foster has been on a rampage to start this season. He's already carried the ball 55 times and rushed for 252 yards on the season. Facing a Giants defense that have up 90+ yards to Andre Ellington last week against the Cardinals Foster should be able to do some damage. Foster ran for 138 yards on 27 attempts against the Raiders last week, but wasn't alone in being a productive RB for the Texans. Rookie RB Alfred Blue also had 11 carries for 40 yards. Blue actually finished the game after Foster was pulled early in the 4th to ensure his health, and Blue looked like a quality back that can take a hit and keep moving. Look to see both of these backs get carries next week against the Giants. If the Texans are going to be successful on offense it'll start with these two making plays.
3rd down conversions: The Texans were 9/15 on 3rd down last week. That's a trend that'll need to continue not just this game but all season if the Texans plan on winning many games. A key to this is QB Ryan Fitzpatrick making the right reads at the line and executing. Andre Johnson has been one of his favorite targets when in these situations so far this season. Johnson pulled in 6 catches last week for 74 yards. Just another day at the office for #80 who is now 15th in the all time receiving yardage list.
Keys on Defense
Creating turnovers: The Texans have already caused 6 turnovers through 2 games. The 2 last week were in their own territory on long drives that would've ended in points for the Raiders more than likely. Going against a Giants team that's not really comfortable with the offense their running, getting at least one should be a goal of the defense on Sunday. Safety DJ Swearinger had a strip that led to a long return by CB Jonathan Joseph against Oakland last week and Swearinger should be on the hunt again trying to make an impact on this game.
Pressuring Eli Manning: It's no secret that Eli Manning hasn't played to his Super Bowl winning standards the last couple years. He's been turning the ball over at a high rate and a lot of that is because his protection isn't nearly as good as our was when the Giants won those championships. The Texans will have to take advantage of this and five Manning into some bad decisions on Sunday. JJ Watt went last game without a sack after being doubled and chip blocked on nearly every play, so I'd expect him to show up in a big way this week. Whitney Mercilus well also be a player to watch this week. Mercilus is playing in place of injured #1 overall pick Jadaveon Clowney and with Watt getting so much attention it could be a big game for the Texans LB.
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